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OUR HERO AND HEROINE 




As Strong 
As The Hills 


BY 

MATALEE T. LAKE 

>1 


WASHINGTON: 
TERMINAL PRESS, INC. 
1921 



Copyright, 1921, by 
MATALEE T. LAKE 


4 


^ « 



2 

m 13 1921, 


©CI.A617327 


FOREWORD 


The beautiful little story 
which is here presented was 
written by a 15-year-old pupil 
at Western High School, Wash- 
ington, D. C., after taking a 
course in Persian history, and 
its merits so impressed a noted 
writer who chanced to see it 
that he recommended its publi- 
cation. The reader of this little 
book cannot fail to be impressed 
by both the beauty of the story 
and the excellence of its telling. 
It needs no apology and we have 
none to offer. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 


3 



CHAPTER I 


THE STORM 

“ By this the storm grew loud apace, 
The water-wraith was shrieking-, 
And, in the scowl of heaven, each face 
Grew dark as they were speaking.” 


6 


1 

J 


As Strong As The Hills 

N the days of Persia's 
greatness, while she 
bravely battled 
against the Grecian 
hosts, there lived a mighty man 
of wealth and wisdom, Albert 
Rustrab. 

On a cliff overlooking the 
deep, blue waters of Lake Seis- 
tan, in a huge red sandstone 
castle, he and his aged mother 
resided. For years Albert had 
devoted his energy in conduct- 
ing the department of food for 
the army and caring for this 
beloved parent. 

'Tis night, and the waters of 
Lake Seistan, usually placid, are 

7 



As Strong As The Hills 

now lashed and tossed by an 
angry storm. An evil spirit 
seems to reign, not only on the 
turbulent waters, but within the 
walls of the castle; for Mother 
Rustrab, her sweet face drawn 
with pain, lies upon a sickbed, 
while her only son, Albert, ad- 
ministers to her wants. 

The storm has now reached 
the height of its fury without 
and within. The doors and win- 
dows are rattling to such an ex- 
tent that the inmates of the 
sickroom at first do not observe 
that someone outside is rapping. 
Rustrab moves uneasily as the 
raps are repeated and arises 
8 


As Strong As The Hills 

from the side of his mother's 
couch to welcome the newcomer. 

See him standing there — six 
feet tall, dark and handsome, a 
man of thirty-five. His hand is 
on the latch of the half-opened 
door. Note the change of ex- 
pression on his face as in is 
blown a veritable angel. 

This maiden of seventeen sum- 
mers has come on the wings of 
the wind from some unknown 
region. 

The sick woman, heretofore 
delirious and in dire pain, now 
seems clear of mind. Refreshed 
by the cool breath of air and the 


9 


As Strong As The Hills 


fair vision, she speaks as one 
inspired : 

“ My boy, the gods have heard 
my prayer and have sent from 
heaven the one for whom I have 
asked. She will, in a measure, 
take my place. Will you not, 
daughter? '' 

Dazed by the storm and such 
a greeting, the young visitor 
does not seem to comprehend, 
but assumes that she is being 
asked her name, and so replies: 

“ It is Roberta Hampton.” 

Albert, looking into the soft 
blue eyes of this unknown fe- 
male, feels something of his 
mother's inspiration. For days 
10 


As Strong As The Hills 

he has nursed the one being 
he loved, and now in the hour 
that he must lose her a ray of 
light has come. “A form more 
fair and a face more sweet 
never have his great brown eyes 
rested upon. 

Her light hair, at all times 
curly, now dampened by the 
rain, forms about her white face 
and rosy cheeks countless ring- 
lets seemingly of spun gold. 

The mother opens and extends 
one hand to Roberta and the 
other to Albert. Drawing the 
two hands together she places 
the girl's in his and for a brief 
moment caresses them. Then, 


11 


As Strong As The Hills 

as one who falls into sweet slum- 
bef, her gentle spirit takes its 
flight. 

Dear reader, strange though it 
may seem, as that spirit left its 
habitation one soft breath of air 
opened the door as if for the 
departing soul and the storm 
died. The clouds were rolled up 
as a scroll and the great yellow 
moon shed its mellow rays over 
the bed whereon lay the dead. 

So weird and fascinating was 
this meeting that both realized 
that it was fate, as well as the 
hands of his mother, that had 
drawn them together. Little 
wonder that after the funeral 


12 


As Strong As The Hills 

rites had been performed and 
time had, in a measure, healed 
the sad hearts of the two, they 
should decide to live their lives 
as one. 


13 



CHAPTER II 


WEDDING BELLS 

“ Hear the mellow wedding bells, — 
Golden bells! 

What a world of happiness their har- 
mony foretells! ” 


16 







As Strong As The Hills 

USTRAB and his bride- 
to-be are standing on 
a broad porch of the 
temple between two 
massive columns. 

The last lingering rays of the 
sun are penciling one side of a 
black cloud with long streaks of 
gold, while the wonderful yellow 
moon is shedding her soft rays 
on the other side. 

Tonight our heroine is a most 
transcendently beautiful girl. 
Her perfect form is draped with 
thin, flowing white silk held at 
the shoulders with brooches of 
gold. Around the milk-white 
throat hangs a string of delicate 



As Strong As The Hills 

pearls and on her wrists are two 
golden armlets of old Egyptian 
design. The light tresses are 
caught at the top of her shapely 
head with a tortoise-shell comb 
set with rarest pearls. The 
white kid sandals that she wears 
were beautifully made and orna- 
mented by a faithful servant of 
the household of Rustrab. 

So fascinated with this being 
of beauty is Albert that he im- 
pulsively clasps her to his breast, 
saying: 

“ Now that we stand on the 
very threshold of this temple 
where in a few moments we 
shall be united in marriage, 
18 


As Strong As The Hills 

may I not insist that you tell 
me something of your past — 
whom you are and whence you 
came ?” 

“ Rustrab,” whispers the mai- 
den, “ see yonder dark cloud illu- 
minated on two sides by differ- 
ent powers. Know that for us 
the darkness of life can be en- 
shrouded by faith and love ; from 
you the greater light — the sun; 
and from me the lesser light — 
the moon. I have asked no ques- 
tions of your past. I will answer 
none of mine. But when we are 
united in marriage, then will I 
reveal the whole truth ; then 
shall the clouds be indeed dis- 


19 


As Strong As The Hills 

pelled by the perfect light of 
understanding/' 

“ Little queen," speaks her 
betrothed, “ my faith in you and 
the memory of my mother's dy- 
ing words compel me to await 
your good time. Shall I now 
lead you to the sacred altar ? " 
Later the inhabitants of the 
deep valley below listened to the 
golden notes of the wedding bells 
and knew that a hallowed service 
was being performed, but for us 
it is left to tell what this union 
meant to Persian history. 


20 


CHAPTER III 


THE STORY 

“ He does not love me for my birth, 
Nor for my lands so broad and fair; 
He loves me for my own true worth, 
And that is well,” said Lady Clare. 


21 






As Strong As The Hills 


EVERAL days after 
the wedding the bride 
and groom leisurely 
strolled through their 
beautiful garden of flowers, and 
as they walked both sighted 
one magnificent white rose that 
far excelled in beauty any that 
graced the garden. Simultane- 
ously they reached for it. As 
Albert's arm was the longer 
'twas he that plucked it. Hold- 
ing the flower at arm's length, 
that its beauty might be thor- 
oughly studied, he said: 

‘‘ Roberta, as are other roses 
of the garden when contrasted 
with this, so are other women 

23 



As Strong As The Hills 


when compared with you. It is 
said that the rose is queen of 
flowers. I know that you are a 
queen among women, but may I 
not ask something of your 
origin; something of the land 
that could produce so fair a 
flower 1 ” 

** My king, you have won the 
right to know everything. I am 
but a bud which, had it not been 
plucked by cruel hands, would 
have developed into a queen. 
This would have occured, not be- 
cause of my loveliness, but 
simply for the reason that my 
father was King of Santa Vista. 
When the army of Greece, with 

24 


As Strong As The Hills 

its superior numbers, swept 
down on our little country, kill- 
ing my noble father and mother 
and thousands of our bravest 
men, it captured and took as 
slaves countless women, among 
whose number was your little 
rosebud. Albert, I am not given 
to boasting, but truly there is 
something in the saying that 
blood will tell. I, who had been 
brought up a princess, could not 
be content as a slave in the 
household of an enemy. My cap- 
tors knew of my royal blood and 
so gave me the opportunity of 
becoming a Greek if I would but 
renounce my native land. A 

25 


As Strong As The Hills 

week was given me in which to 
decide, but the first night I stole 
away for wonderful Persia, of 
whose greatness my father often 
spoke. 

“After days of privation and 
suffering, by disguising myself, 
I was able to cross the line and 
come within plain view of this 
old castle that I recognized to be 
none other than the house of 
Rustrab. There could be no 
doubt as to this, because on the 
wall of my father’s study a draw- 
ing of it had hung since the earli- 
est days of my recollection.” 

Surprise and pride lighted 
Albert’s face as he looked long 
26 


As Strong As The Hills 

into her deep blue eyes. Taking 
her hands into his he kissed 
them tenderly, exclaiming : 

** Now I know that my mother 
spoke the truth and that you 
were indeed sent of the gods, for 
while you were yet but a child 
in your mother's arms your 
father, within the walls of that 
old house, pledged you to me as 
a wife. Well do I remember 
some fifteen years ago that on 
just such a night as brought you 
here he came to see my father. 
You will remember that at that 
time your little country was in a 
desperate war with the Tartars. 
Your father was a brave King 

27 


As Strong As The Hills 


who loved his gallant soldiers, 
and because they were starving 
he came through such a storm 
to borrow the money that he 
knew my parent possessed. On 
the following morning the King, 
with wealth in hand, rode away, 
but not before he and my family 
had solemnly agreed that the 
two houses should some day be 
united by our marriage.'' 

Deeply affected, but intensely 
happy, were the lovers as they 
thought on these things. 


28 


CHAPTER IV 


AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN 

“ Not enjoyment and not sorrow 
Is our destined end or way, 
But to act that each tomorrow 
Find us farther than today.’' 


29 




' As Strong As The Hills 


S the darkness follows 
the day, so does deep 
trouble come after 
great joy. 

There is something in a wo- 
man's heart that is ever whis- 
pering, “ Make the most of it.” 
Somehow she has a premonition 
of the evil that is ahead and 
clings desperately to the present 
happiness. The man is not so 
affected by intuition, but de- 
pends almost solely on his ability 
to reason. 

Our hero and heroine were not 
exceptions. Roberta on this par- 
ticular morning insists that they 
spend the day all alone on Blank 
81 




As Strong As The Hills 

Mountain, that some miles away 
haughtily lifts itself above 
Seistan. Albert does not object 
to the presence of the servants 
and sees no reason why they 
cannot be happy at home, but 
Roberta begs for the day and 
prophesies that such happiness 
as they have had cannot always 
last. Her generous husband, 
therefore, orders that two strong 
Arabian horses be saddled for 
the trip and that lunch be pro- 
vided. 

Over many a rugged passage 
they ride to the very top of 
Blank Mountain. Upon reach- 
ing the summit she seats her- 


As Strong As The Hills 

self in the great stone chair that 
nature had carved and gazes 
with admiration at the rugged 
beauty of the surrounding peaks 
and fertile valley below. He 
lazily lounges at her feet, and 
she listens while he speaks of 
the mysteries of death — of how 
their loved ones had been taken 
away and of how the fingers of 
time would some day crumble to 
dust even the rock-bound hills. 

She turns her gaze from the 
distant silver lake that now 
glistens like a diamond in the 
bosom of the valley to the won- 
derful castle that stands like a 
guard proudly protecting this 

33 


3 


As Strong As The Hills 


precious gem. Albert toys with 
his sword, thinking only of prac- 
tical things — of his broad 
stretches of land; of his new 
happiness, and then, too, of the 
deep sorrow that has come in 
the death of his mother. 

Roberta, too, enjoys thoughts 
similar to his, yet hidden in her 
heart there is a fear that fate 
will not always be kind. 

She no longer looks at the lake 
or the castle, nor does he at the 
gilded hilt of his sword. He 
still speaks of the mysteries of 
death, while piercing brown and 
soft blue eyes in their own 
language converse of life. Hus- 


34 


As Strong As The Hills 

band and wife have agreed that 
without love there is no life, 
but with love there is no death, 
and all is life — one great, grand 
eternal life. 

Later two lonely hearts sepa- 
rated by distance ofttimes were 
gladdened as they thought of 
this day. The thought that 
with love there is no death kept 
them fighting for the time when 
love, by its overwhelming power, 
would draw them together. 


35 



CHAPTER V 


THE PARTING 

" I never nursed a dear gazelle 

To glad me with its soft, black eye. 
But when it came to know me well 
And love me, it was sure tb die.” 


37 



As Strong As The Hills 


PON reaching home 
late in the evening Al- 
bert and wife are in- 
formed by the serv- 
ants that a messenger from the 
King awaits them in the guest 
room. As soon as they hear 
this news Roberta becomes ex- 
cited and exclaims: 

“Albert, my premonition has 
come true and we are to be 
separated.'' 

“ My darling," replies her hus- 
band, “ you are ill. All day I 
have noticed that you were nerv- 
ous. The mountain trip was too 
much for you. Now go to your 
room for the night and tomor- 



As Strong As The Hills 


row my little girl will be as 
bright and happy as heretofore.” 

She readily obeys his com- 
mand, while he goes to receive 
the message from his King. 

The courier proves to be Rus- 
trab’s cousin. The moment Al- 
bert lays eyes on him a fear 
creeps into his heart, for some- 
thing in the face of the playmate 
of his boyhood days convinces 
him that the Persians have met 
with reverses. They speak of 
friends and relations only for a 
brief moment, but converse for 
hours upon matters of state. 
Finally they are interrupted by 
a faint knock. When Rustrab 


40 


As Strong As The Hills 


opens the door he finds Roberta 
awaiting there. A strange 
change has come over her face. 
She is deathly white. Her lips 
^re compressed, and for the first 
time he sees from her eyes that 
she is a woman of wonderful will 
power. The royal blood which 
courses through her veins is as- 
serting itself. She speaks to 
him, not in the gentle tone of a 
wife, but in the firm voice of one 
who demands recognition. 

“ My lord, I am here to make 
it easier for you to say farewell. 
This brave soldier has come to 
take you from me. Have you 
not, my good man ? ” 

41 


As Strong As The Hills 


The messenger courteously re- 
plies, “ It is true.” 

In a low steady voice Albert 
mechanically introduces them. 
He then tells his wife in an as- 
suring manner that the time of 
separation will not be long and 
for her to bear bravely the trial. 

In less than an hour Roberta 
bids the two farewell. Not even 
during the last fond embrace 
does she show the slightest 
weakness, but bears up with the 
courage of a heroine. However, 
as soon as the two disappear in 
the darkness she begins to sob as 
if her heart will break, and 
through the few remaining 

42 


As Strong As The Hills 

hours of the night pleads with 
the gods to watch over the one 
whom she loves above all else on 
earth. 

As for Albert, although each 
hour finds him farther away 
from his loved one, his thoughts 
continue to be only of her. 


43 



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CHAPTER VI 


THE KIDNAPING 

“And man, whose heaven-erected face 
The smiles of love adorn, 

Man’s inhumanity to man, 

Makes countless thousands mourn.’’ 


45 



As Strong As The Hills 


HILE Rustrab counsels 
with King Xerxes, a 
well planned plot to 
capture his wife is be- 
ing executed by a Greek noble- 
man, Govan Titus. It was from 
the house of this man's father 
that our heroine fled into Persia. 
Upon first seeing Roberta, Govan 
Titus determined to compel her 
to renounce her native land and 
marry him. 

Through the secret service 
word has reached Titus as to 
Roberta's marriage and where- 
abouts. He and several other 
strong soldiers are now carefully 
making their way toward Rus- 



As Strong As The Hills 


trab’s castle. By sleeping dur- 
ing the day and cautiously 
traveling by night they have 
managed to cross the Persian 
lines and make their way un- 
noticed to Seistan. 

On this particular night Ro- 
berta is deeply depressed. In 
her own room she mechanically 
reads. Being unable to con- 
centrate, she extinguishes the 
candles and sits on the broad sill 
of her window to view the 
beauty of the night and think 
of her husband now so far away. 

The sad moon is flooding the 
valley with an uncanny light and 
her reflection is vivid on the dark 


48 


As Strong As The Hills 

waters of Lake Seistan. While 
watching these things our fair 
lady hears whispering below and 
notes that the conversation is 
carried on in Greek. Our 
heroine, when the occasion de- 
mands, is always brave, but to- 
night she is unusually so and de- 
termines not to call the servants 
until she can learn something of 
what they are saying. She takes 
a chance, hoping to receive news 
which will benefit Persia. Ro- 
berta, therefore, tip-toes down 
the long flight of steps and into 
the room where she first met 
her own dear Albert and his 
sweet mother. Instinctively she 


49 


As Strong As The Hills 

feels that someone is watching 
her and so turns to flee for the 
servants, but ere she reaches the 
door a man throws his strong 
arm about her neck and places 
his hand over her mouth. Those 
without hear the scuffle and 
come to help bear her away. A 
small bottle is placed to her 
nostrils and a powerful drug 
causes her to sink into uncon- 
sciousness. 


50 


CHAPTER VII 


THE AWAKENING 

“ Let us then be up and doing. 
With a heart for any fate; 
Still achieving, still pursuing, 
Learn to labor and to wait.” 


61 



As Strong As The Hills 

EN days have passed 
since the kidnapping 
of Roberta. During 
that time she has been 
almost continually kept under 
the influence of a powerful nar- 
cotic. The captors have been 
able, by the use of forged pass- 
ports, to enter Greece and to 
settle in a fort near Athens. Not 
feeling the necessity of using 
drugs any longer. Captain Titus 
has it discontinued, but its effect 
is slow in disappearing, and so 
a physician is called into the 
case. 

After being told the full cir- 
cumstances he examines Ro- 



53 


As Strong As The HOls 

berta's heart and finds her in 
such a weakened condition that 
it is necessary for a nurse to be 
called. However, after forcing 
her to drink half a wineglassful 
of brandy, she regains conscious- 
ness and learns that she is no 
longer in the home of her be- 
loved Albert, but a captive of the 
Greeks. While reclining on a 
lounge Roberta is told that she 
is sentenced to life imprisonment 
with no avenue of escape except 
that of renouncing her adopted 
country and becoming the wife 
of Govan Titus. With almost 
superhuman strength she sits 
upright and demands that she 

54 


As Strong As The Hills 

be permitted to speak with the 
captain. Her physician gives 
his consent only on the condition 
that she recline during the con- 
versation. 

“ And so you have decided to 
talk it over with me,” says Titus, 
as he enters and attempts to 
place his hand on her forehead. 
But the look of disgust from her 
causes him to lose his temper 
and say coldly, ‘‘ Have you de- 
cided to marry me ? ” 

In a low, but steady, voice she 
replies : 

“ I am proud to inform you 
that I am no longer single, but 


55 


As Strong As The Hills 

the wife of a great and loving 
husband, Albert Rustrab.” 

“ Oh, that doesn't matter. We 
do not recognize Persian laws, 
and if you will but give your 
consent you will become the wife 
of a far greater, if not so loving, 
husband as the faint-hearted 
man of whom you speak — a food 
administrator who devotes his 
time to a young wife while 
soldiers of his country hunger 
on a foreign soil." 

The insulting captain, except 
for the cynical smile and cruel 
eye, was a picture of masculine 
beauty, but Roberta saw in him 
only a demon and an enemy of 

56 


As Strong As The Hills 

her good husband. Under the 
influence of her queenly pride 
she quickly responded: 

“ My husband, when he hears 
of my capture, will move heaven 
and earth to find me, and if he 
learns I was taken by a cowardly 
Greek I know that he will lead 
a Persian army to victory and 
with his own hands humiliate 
you and then lead me back to 
dear old Seistan.” 

Surely the gods were at that 
minute allowing her to read her 
husband's mind, for even as she 
spoke a messenger from Seistan 
was telling Rustrab of her cap- 
ture and giving him papers, ad- 

67 


As Strong As The Hills 


dressed to Govan Titus, which 
were lost in the scuffle while she 
was being taken, and so she was 
but repeating his thoughts when 
she said these things. 

A strange psychological effect 
swept over Govan, for he became 
so confused that he lost all 
thought of diplomacy and trem- 
ulously ordered that, as soon as 
the nurse was admitted, the 
great iron doors be locked and 
Roberta be held indefinitely. 


58 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE STORMING OF THE FORT 

“ Somebody fought a valiant fight; 
Somebody lived to shield the right.” 


59 


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As Strong As The Hills 

AVING gained the con- 
sent of the King, Al- 
bert on the following 
morning, wearing the 
full uniform of a general, astride 
a wonderful Arabian charger and 
at the head of a mighty army, 
rode forth to battle. 

There was something in the 
grim determination of his face 
that caused every soldier to feel 
that that day was one in which 
they must do their duty to the 
limit. 

The outpost of the Grecian 
army was sent flying to the fort 
with the news that the enemy 
was approaching in great num- 



61 


As Strong As The Hills 

bers. As soon as this news was 
brought to Titus he became ex- 
cited. Somehow he could not 
forget Roberta's look when she 
was prophesying his downfall 
and her escape, but the fear 
seemed to make him more de- 
termined that the Persians 
should not set her free, even 
though they took the fort. He 
sent her, therefore, to a room at 
the entrance of a tunnel. 

Well-defined plans, made by 
General Rustrab and his staff, 
were beautifully carried out. It 
would have been natural for the 
Persian army to have tried to 
break the enemy's lines on either 
62 


As Strong As The Hills 

side of the fort and, after forc- 
ing the Greeks back in disorder, 
to surround and storm the forti- 
fication. The Greeks had pre- 
pared for this by keeping the 
bulk of their men in trenches 
close to the fort. 

Rustrab, however, was in no 
mood for dilly-dallying. His 
wife had been stolen by a Greek, 
and now not even these strong 
stone walls could hinder him. 

It was the plan of the Persians 
to fight all along the line, for 
their leader had given the com- 
mand, Whenever the snake 
shows its head, hit it and hit it 
hard.” But even the courage of 


As Strong As The Hills 


the Persians wavered as they 
were confronted at each wing by 
superior numbers. Albert saw 
the confusion and realized that 
a desperate chance must be 
taken; so with the fury of tho 
wind he galloped toward the fort. 
Standing in his stirrup, he tried, 
but failed, to reach a projecting 
stone of the building. As he 
made the attempt, an opening 
appeared in the wall and a deadly 
thrust of a sword would have 
laid him low had not his horse's 
foot slipped. As soon as he 
landed in the saddle, his steed 
leaped in the air suddenly and 
Albert took the opportunity to 

64 


As Strong As The Hills 

grab the wrist of his would-be 
slayer. Never before did soldiers 
so bravely respond to their 
leader's command as did these 
when Albert ordered that they 
use him as a round in a human 
ladder and scale the walls. 

An agile youth accordingly 
climbed up Rustrab's strong 
body. Then, placing his feet on 
the General's shoulders, he 
clutched the outstanding rock. 
Meanwhile the body of the Greek 
soldier whose arm was support- 
ing so much weight was so 
tightly pulled against the small 
opening that it was impossible 
for his companions to stab the 
Persians as they ascended. 

65 


5 


As Strong As The Hills 

After a few had reached the 
roof, they made from their 
clothes a rope sufficiently strong 
to draw to the top not only those 
that formed the ladder but 
others who eagerly grasped the 
opportunity to serve. When this 
hard task had been accomplished 
the company was disappointed 
CO find no entrance from above. 

Undismayed, Rustrab led the 
way over the rear wall. As soon 
as they reached the ground the 
occupants of the fort, fearing the 
danger of being trapped within, 
fled from the rear door. Mean- 
while the Greek soldiers in the 
trenches were so busily engaged 
66 


As Strong As The Hills 

in battling with the remainder 
of Rustrab's army that it was 
impossible for the few who saw 
that small company scale the 
wall to cause an alarm. 

Now within a court of the 
fortification Albert with his 
valorous comrades were furi- 
ously attacking the Greeks as 
they rushed from the door. This 
scramble did not last long, how- 
ever, for soon the commander- 
in-chief of the fortification him- 
self came to the front. Seeing 
his men lying bleeding on the 
ground and the Persians about 
to push their way into the fort, 
he became seriously alarmed. 

67 


As Strong As The Hills 


Then hastily grabbing a flag of 
white, he shouted: 

“ The Greeks surrender this 
fort.” 

At the same moment Titus, 
who during the fight had been 
within, hastened to Roberta’s 
room. With the help of the 
nurse and the doctor and just as 
Rustrab entered the building, he 
forced her into the secret pas- 
sage. 

Word of the surrender quickly 
passed down the line, and after 
the Greeks laid down their arms 
a small but well armed body of 
Persians marched them to the 
camp of King Xerxes. 


68 


CHAPTER IX 


THE RESCUE 

“And though to our short-sighted vision 
No way of escape may appear. 

Let us trust; for when least we ex- 
pect it 

The holp of Our Father is near.” 


69 


As Strong As The Hills 



FTER the fort had been 


brating their great 


Persians were cele- 


taken and while the 


victory, Rustrab busied himself 
in examining the masonry. 

While in an underground room, 
by the rarest chance his ankle 
turned on a little stone which 
caused him to fall against the 
wall in such a manner as to open 
a secret door. Albert's curiosity 
was now aroused, so he took 
from his pocket flint and steel 
and in the ancient way secured 
a flame. After lighting a torch 
he discovered footprints in the 
dust. Closer inspection made his 


71 



As Strong As The Hills 


whole being thrill, for something 
about the tracks caused him to 
feel that Roberta was near. 

Without thought of needed 
rest he wound his way farther 
and farther into this mysterious 
passage. Some time later, as he 
pursued his journey, a breath of 
air from some unknown source 
blew out the light, leaving our 
hero in utter darkness. Rustrab 
quickly drew his sword and 
awaited results. Nothing de- 
veloped, however, except the oc- 
casional fanning of his cheeks 
by a soft breeze which invariably 
brought to his ears a low mur- 
muring sound. 


72 


As Strong As The Hills 

Feeling his way with his 
sword, Albert cautiously crept 
forward until it clanked on what 
proved to be the end of the tun- 
nel. For several moments he 
fumbled in the darkness, to be 
rewarded at last by the discovery 
of a hidden exit. As Rustrab 
pushed the door aside he was 
greeted by a cool breath of air 
and a splash of water. Awed 
by the sight of a mighty water- 
fall, he lounged on a bed of moss 
to collect his thoughts; but na- 
ture had her way and he soon 
fell into a deep slumber. For 
only a few moments he slept, 
and when consciousness returned 


73 


As Strong As The Hills 


his eye was attracted by a 
tiny white handkerchief which 
some steps away dangled from a 
briar. While making his way 
to where it hung he discovered 
fresh footprints in the sand. 
After following these tracks for 
about a mile Rustrab came to a 
rude log hut hidden among the 
rocks and bushes. On tip-toe he 
made his way to the door and 
through a knothole looked 
within. 

An old man, a young girl, and 
a Greek captain sat conversing. 
As he looked a form strangely 
familiar entered from the other 
room. As she turned her head 

74 


As Strong As The Hills 

toward the door he beheld the 
face of his own dear wife. With 
lion strength he threw his 
mighty body against the rotten 
door and it crumbled as an egg- 
shell. 

Before the inmates could 
realize what had happened Al- 
bert held in his arms Roberta as 
if she were but a child. 

As soon as Titus recovered 
his breath he drew his sword 
and rushed toward his enemy. 
Roberta was first to see this 
movement and quickly cried : 

‘‘ Kill him, Albert.” 

So quick was the thrust that 
her husband had no time to draw 


76 


As Strong As The Hills 

his sword, but leaped to one side 
just in time to save his life. 
Instantly he released Roberta 
and tore from Govan’s hand his 
weapon. As he did so, however, 
the old man with his cane struck 
it from his hands. As soon as 
the sword hit the floor Roberta 
seized it, saying: 

“ If you prize your lives, stand 
back while Persia's food ad- 
ministrator again shows his abil- 
ity to fight." 

The two fought with only the 
weapons that nature had given 
them, and for a time it seemed 
that Titus was in the lead. Al- 


76 


As Strong As The Hills 

though Rustrab's previous hard- 
ships had almost exhausted his 
strength, the sight of his wife 
gave him courage to hold on until 
his antagonist had weakened. 
At last the fateful blow was 
struck and Titus staggered 
bleeding to the floor. The doctor 
would have gone to his com- 
panion's assistance had not Ro- 
berta forced him back with the 
sword, saying: 

‘‘ Not until he has admitted 
that my husband is his superior 
will you be permitted to bind 
his wounds.” 

“ My dear,” spoke Albert, 
“how do you happen to be here ?” 

77 


As Strong As The Hills 


“ I was kidnapped by that 
coward, who is now at your 
mercy.” 

Enraged, Albert drew his 
sword and made ready to kill 
Govan, but the humiliated Greek 
cried : 

“ The gods have forsaken me, 
but spare my life and I will for- 
ever be your slave.” 

Turning to the doctor and the 
nurse, Rustrab said : 

“ Take charge of your patient. 
We go to our men.” 

As they were leaving the 
house a scouting party, in search 
of him, found and escorted them 
to the fort. Upon their arrival, 

78 


As Strong As The Hills 

a messenger from King Xerxes 
brought to the Persians word 
that His Majesty had surren- 
dered and that the war was over. 

Although Persia lost the war, 
Rustrab won his beautiful wife 
and a lasting name in history. 

As for Titus, the humiliated 
Greek slipped away to Phoenicia, 
where, after a few years, he 
died, his name unsung. 


79 



CHAPTER X 


AS STRONG AS THE HILLS 

“ My love is as strong as the hills, 

As deep as the fathomless sea, 

As pure as the rose that blooms in 
spring. 

And, sweetheart, it is all for thee.” 


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EVERAL months have 
passed since the close 
of the war. The Per- 
sians have returned to 
their homes and are pursuing 
their former vocations. 

This being the Sabbath, Ro- 
berta and Albert go to Blank 
Mountain in search of quietude 
and rest. Once more they sit in 
the great stone chair. 

Tis spring; flowers fresh and 
beautiful nod in the breeze ; birds 
sing their morning songs of 
gladness, and life indeed seems 
sweet. 

As they view the beauty of 
many valleys and the grandeur 

83 



As Strong As The Hills 

of numberless mountains, both 
realize that the Persians should 
be satisfied to own only their 
own loved land. 

Today Roberta has no premo- 
nition of sorrow, but sees in the 
future only happiness. 

Time and trials have strength- 
ened the bond of affection be- 
tween them and Albert does 
truly say: 

‘‘ My love for you is as strong 
as these hills and as limitless as 
the mighty universe,” and Ro- 
berta as truthfully answers: 

** Yes, and our love can never, 
never die, but will live long after 
the mountains are leveled.” 


84 


As Strong As The Hills 

So swiftly do the hours flee 
that the setting sun beholds 
them reluctantly leaving this 
place of inspiration. 

Upon their arrival at the 
castle they find a great throng 
of people who have come to get 
Rustrab's advice as to the break- 
ing of Persia's contract with 
Greece. 

Albert, standing in his door- 
way, addresses them: 

‘'Fellow countrymen, this day 
I stood on yonder peak and 
looked out over your marvelous 
country. I saw your towering 
mountains, vine-clad hills, and 
sweeping meadows, and in my 

85 


As Strong As The Hills 

own heart I decided that Persia 
was good enough for the Per- 
sians. Let us be done with con- 
quest. You have come to ask 
my advice. I now give it you. 
Go back to your homes and spend 
the remaining years of your 
lives in building up this great 
country.” 

After catching the inspiration 
of their leader, they all go forth 
to do his bidding. 

Roberta and Albert are left 
with the knowledge that war is 
indeed over and that their lives 
are to be blessed with peace and 
great love. 

FINIS. 


86 





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